Just yesterday, my three-year-old son had an unfortunate tumble at the playground, resulting in a split above his eye. While my daughter prefers to dive into storybooks and engage in quieter play with her dolls, my son fits the energetic mold often associated with boys: he’s boisterous and spirited, showing no signs of fear when he fell—until I mentioned a trip to the ER for stitches, at which point the tears began. Yet, despite his rugged nature, he has a soft spot for Barbies.
After our visit to the emergency room, I decided to grab some much-needed lunch for the kids. Pulling into the McDonald’s drive-thru, I followed the usual routine: “Would you like extra fries or apples? What dipping sauce do you want? What drink?” After receiving their Happy Meals, I immediately noticed my son’s face drop as he watched his sister style her doll’s hair.
Then came the question that struck me: “Is this meal for a boy or a girl?”
I have both a son and a daughter, so I answered without hesitation. But once we parked and I opened the Happy Meal box, the implications of that question weighed heavily on me. It was a stark reminder of how society categorizes children’s interests based on gender: boys receive Hot Wheels, while girls get Barbies.
As I handed them their meals, I could see the disappointment in my son’s eyes as he watched his sister play. Moments later, he eagerly asked for a Barbie of his own.
This brought to mind broader societal patterns, such as how my son can roam the beach shirtless, while my daughter is expected to cover up. It feels unfair that boys enjoy open bathroom facilities while girls are restricted to stalls.
That simple question from the McDonald’s employee conveyed a powerful message: I am raising a son who is free to express himself, while my daughter is taught to conform to societal expectations. My son will eventually have the freedom to go about life boldly, while my daughter may feel pressured to spend hours on her appearance. Who establishes these norms? Why should fast-food chains dictate what toys our children should prefer based on their gender?
When we returned to McDonald’s a week later, I ordered two Happy Meals, specifying they were for “two girls,” handing one to my son with a smile. Why should it matter if a boy wants a Barbie? Instead of asking, “Is this for a boy or a girl?” why not simply ask, “Would you like a car or a doll?” Let the children decide for themselves.
My son loves Barbies, and that doesn’t make him any less of a man. In fact, being in touch with his nurturing side may make him an even better father one day. Boys can be daring and also gentle caregivers.
McDonald’s, our go-to when dinner becomes a scramble: the next time my kids approach the counter, please present the toy options without assigning gender.
If we aspire to create an inclusive society where people can choose their paths and express their identities freely, we must start with our children. Allow them the freedom to explore their interests, and perhaps we’ll take a step toward a more accepting world—one Barbie or Hot Wheel at a time.
For more insights on parenting and inclusivity, check out our other blog posts here. And for anyone interested in home insemination, you can find valuable information at Make A Mom. Additionally, for those considering fertility treatments, March of Dimes offers excellent resources.
Summary:
In a reflective piece, Jordan Fletcher discusses the importance of allowing children to choose their toys without the constraints of gender stereotypes, illustrated through a personal experience at McDonald’s. The author advocates for a more inclusive approach in how society views children’s interests, emphasizing that both boys and girls should feel free to explore their preferences, whether that includes Barbies or Hot Wheels.